Border Collie

The Border Collie has its origins in the border country between England and Scotland.

Overview

Average lifespanThese clever working dogs will often live to 12 years of age, but cared for with the right nutrition Border Collies can live up to 14 years.

Average size and weightBorder Collie male normally weighs up to 30kg and is up to 56cm tall, and a healthy female weighs up to 25kg and can be up to 50cm in height.

Care requirements

Breed personality, characteristics & temperamentThe Border Collie is highly intelligent with an instinctive tendency to work and is very responsive to training. These dogs make keen, alert, loyal and sensitive companions. As well as being loving family pets they excel at obedience, agility and tracking, and make great sheepdogs. They are ‘people dogs’ and so need to interact within the family.

Compatibility with other petsA Border Collie will enjoy having another dog for company (preferably the opposite sex). Because of this breed’s natural herding instinct, small pets that tend to run away may find themselves continually being herded into whatever area your Border Collie has designated for them. If you live on an area of land you will need to have a run made to restrain your dog when it is home alone, especially at night, as it will consider your neighbour’s stock perfect for chasing.

Care requirementsBorder Collies are double-coated dogs with a short thick undercoat and a moderately long medium textured topcoat. They are easy to groom if cared for on a regular basis. Weekly combing and brushing is needed to remove dead coat and to avoid problems when moulting.

If you are not prepared to exercise your Border Collie regularly then this is not the dog for you. A walk each morning and evening is a must to keep this dog fit and happy.

Please take noteA Border Collie’s strong in-built herding instinct can quickly turn into a dangerous chasing habit if not curbed. Because they are tempted to round up any moving object, this can include traffic – so train your dog to understand that ‘traffic herding’ is not allowed.

Decision time

Ideal ownersBecause Border Collies grow so quickly and are extremely active, they are usually too ‘full on’ for very young children and elderly folk. Their herding instinct can also make them a problem for the young.

Click here for advice on adopting a rescue dog and finding a breeder. All information has been provided by the Kennel Club.